7 Hairless Cat Breeds You Should Know About

Most cats have beautiful, soft, and furry coats, but a new trend has popped up in recent times. Many pet owners opt for hairless or partially hairless cats. Known primarily for their unique look, these cats do make for wonderful pets.

Their hairless look is the result of genetic mutations, and it can vary depending on the breed. The Sphynx is the most famous naked cat breed, and many fell in love with its unique wrinkly appearance.

For those interested in getting a cat with no fur as a pet, here are seven breeds that might interest you.

1. Sphynx 

• Height: 8 to 10 inches
• Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
• Lifespan: 8 to 14 years

The Sphynx is the most well-known hairless cat breed. It originated in Canada in the 1960s and was developed through crossbreeding with shorthair cats. Their lack of hair is a result of a recessive genetic mutation. They are sweet and enthusiastic cats that make excellent pets.

These cats are athletic and love being around people and other pets. Some Sphynx cats are not completely hairless and have peach fuzz or a fine down. This makes them feel like velvet when you pet them.

Pets4You has a large list of Sphynx breeders from most states. Find your naked kitten for sale.

2. Elf

• Height: 8 to 10 inches
• Weight: 10 to 15 pounds
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Elf cats are immediately recognizable by their curled ears. They have a muscular body and pronounced cheekbones. Similar to the Sphynx cat, their skin is wrinkled. The Elf breed is a product of a cross between the Sphynx and the American Curl.

They are intelligent, playful, and extremely friendly. Their skin is similar to that of a Sphynx; it feels downy, not unlike peach fuzz. Sometimes these cats have patches of hair on their tail, paws, ears, or nose. 

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3. Bambino

• Height: 7 to 8 inches
• Weight: 5 to 9 pounds
• Lifespan: 9 to 15 years

Bambino cats are extremely small, as you could probably assume if you know Italian. For those that don’t, the word ‘bambino’ means baby or child, and it is a reference to the size of these cats. They are a cross between a Sphynx and a Munchkin and make for extremely adorable kitties.

They have pointy ears and short legs, giving them a unique appearance that will appeal to many. It is not uncommon for them to have some fur on their face, but most of the time, they are completely hairless. They are playful and outgoing pets.

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4. Peterbald

• Height: 8 to 10 inches
• Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

Peterbald cats are immediately noticed because of their long limbs and elegant appearance.  They are a cross between the Donskoy and the Oriental Shorthair. The gene responsible for their hairless trait is dominant, unlike the Sphynx, where it is recessive.

Their bone structure is also more delicate than that of a Sphynx. Peterbald cats are not always born bald. Some have a fine, downy coat that they can shed or keep throughout their lives. They have large pointed ears and gorgeous eyes shaped like almonds. 

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5. Minskin 

• Height: 7 to 8 inches
• Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
• Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

The Minskin is often described as a hairless Munchkin cat. It makes sense since it is a cross between a Munchkin and a Sphynx. Later on, genes from the Devon Rex and Burmese cat breeds were also added to the mix.

This resulted in gorgeous cats with short legs and sparse hair on their ears, nose, legs, and tail. However, their bellies are always naked. These cats are small but have big personality. They are extremely affectionate and outgoing.

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6. Donskoy 

• Height: 10 to 12 inches
• Weight: 7 to 15 pounds
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

The Donskoy is also often called the Don Sphynx or Don hairless, and it is considered to be a unique breed of cats. The hairlessness of these cats comes from a dominant gene, like that of the Peterbald. Donskoy cats can develop a winter coat partially, but they shed it once the weather becomes warm.

They have a muscular body and wrinkles around their cheeks. These are their most prominent physical features. These cats are highly intelligent and easy to train. 

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7. Lykoi

• Height: 8 to 10 inches
• Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
• Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

Lykoi cats are often called “werewolf cats” because of their unique appearance. They aren’t always hairless and are often covered in a specific coat unique to the breed. The coat has a roan pattern that is a mixture of black and white hair.

These cats mostly won’t have any hair around their faces and on their legs and feet. Of course, there are also those that are completely hairless. Lykoi loves being around humans but will often go exploring by themselves. They also exhibit a prey drive when playing.

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Grooming & Care

When it comes to grooming, all hairless cats share some similarities. Since they lack the hair that would absorb the oil from their skin, you need to bathe them more often. You should use a cat shampoo for that and give your cat a bath once a week. 

These cats are also more sensitive to temperature changes. They can get sunburnt or even extremely cold during the winter. It is suggested to dress hairless cats in a sweater if it’s cold and avoid the outdoors when it’s sunny. In general, these cats should be treated as indoor pets.